GMC Sierra 1500 / 1997
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints about the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 25% of them — the clear leader, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 16%.
Complaints100
Crashes0
Fires0
Injuries0
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 25.0% · 25
Service brakes, hydraulic 16.0% · 16
Visibility 13.0% · 13
Fuel system, gasoline 9.0% · 9
Power train 9.0% · 9
Suspension 6.0% · 6
Seat belts 4.0% · 4
Service brakes 3.0% · 3
Reading the numbers
Across the 29 model years of the GMC Sierra 1500 in this data, 1997 draws comparatively few complaints; 2014 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 7 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
When driving anywhere from 50, 60, 70 mph, the steering loosened up. Also, when making any kind of a right curve the steering wheel goes slack, you get 3-4 inches of free play. The dealer /gm is aware of this problem. The problem has not been corrected. Truck is no longer under warranty and cannot be corrected free of charge. Steering
While making a turn or changing lanes, steering malfunctions, which may cause a loss of vehicle control and a crash. There is bulletin # 86-32-06 dealing with reduced steering effort which explains this defect. Repairs covered under warranty. Consumer believes a recall should be issued. *Ak Steering
Driving at approximately 40-65 vehicle will pull to either left or right unexpectedley and strongly, causing the consumer to lose control for couple seconds, and be pulled to side of road. Dealer has replaced steering box/sensor/gear and pump assembly. Defect is still occurring. Steering
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…